The NHL divisions have realigned several times over the years, but given how successful the latest iteration has been, the current 4-division set-up is one that is likely to stick around for quite some time. For the most part, the playing field is quite level in each of those divisions, with all but one featuring races that are incredibly tight. The Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division are the outliers here, as they have already built up a lead that looks as though it is going to be impossible to overturn.
Elsewhere, though the battles for top spot in the division continue to rage, and we have an absolute beauty set to go on Thursday night when the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators go head to head. The Jets currently hold the lead in the Central Division, but they are just two points up on the Predators in second place. There is a chance we may see the lead change tonight, especially with Nashville in as NHL betting favorites to win at home. The goal total for this one is set at 6.
Jets at Predators NHL Betting Lines & Pick for Thursday Night
🎥 #JetsTV’s @MitchellClinton sets the stage for tonight’s tilt in Nashville in the JetsTV Road Report. #WPGvsNSH pic.twitter.com/XubtpXunpB
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) 17 de enero de 2019
- When: Thursday, January 17 at 8 PM EST
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
- TV: ESPN+
- Radio: TuneIn
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Betting Lines: Nashville Predators -1.5 (Total 6)
Maple Leafs vs Lightning NHL Week 16 Odds & Game Info
Why bet on the Winnipeg Jets?
After a minor little stumble, the Winnipeg Jets have returned to top form, winning 3 games in a row ahead of this crucial divisional match-up. As we mentioned earlier, they are currently sitting atop the Central Division, but a loss here could change all that. They are just 2 points up on the Nashville Predators, but they have also played 2 games more than their rivals. A loss here could flip the script and give the Jets some work to do to get back on top.
?The Jets have been steady, if unspectacular, on the road, posting a 12-8 record, but they have also only managed 1 win in their last 5 visits to Nashville, so they are certainly up against it here. They have been a very good pick against the spread in recent games, going 5-1 ATS.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.48
- Shots: 32.00
- PP/PK Percentage: 27.66
Defense
- Goals: 2.80
- Shots: 32.39
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.84
Why bet on the Nashville Predators?
The Nashville Predators will almost certainly be a part of the playoffs this year if they continue to deliver the goods on home ice, where they are a more than respectable 16-7. They have been particularly tough to beat in their own building in recent weeks, winning 7 of their last 9 games at home.
The division race is quickly turning into a 2-horse battle between the Predators and the Jets, but a win here for Nashville would very much give them the upper hand. While they have a good record versus the Jets, they have only covered once in the last 5 games where Winnipeg have come to town. The Predators are a ½ goal favorite here, so those stats certainly make you feel as though we are potentially looking at a 1-goal game on Thursday night.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.17
- Shots: 32.40
- PP/PK Percentage: 14.81
Defense
- Goals: 2.58
- Shots: 28.75
- PP/PK Percentage: 20.83
How to Bet Kings vs Stars NHL Spread & Expert Prediction
Jets at Predators NHL Betting Trends
- Winnipeg is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
- Winnipeg is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg’s last 6 games on the road
- Nashville is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
- Nashville is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville’s last 5 games
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Jets at Predators
In the last 10 meetings between these two teams, it has been the home team that has come away with the win 8 times. I expect that trend to hold tonight, as I like the Predators to continue their strong performance on home ice. It should be a close one, though, with the UNDER looking like a good bet.
Score: Winnipeg Jets 2 – Nashville Predators 3
